In an exclusive media interview on Sunday, August 25, 2024, at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel in Accra, Vice President and New Patriotic Party (NPP) flag bearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, answered questions on why he has not been able to implement a number of manifesto promises during his tenure as Vice President.
Responding to concerns about why key tax reforms, such as import duty reductions and tax amnesties, have not been enacted under his watch, Dr. Bawumia explained that his role as Vice President comes with limitations.
“The budget that has gone to Parliament, which has been passed, is not my budget, is it my budget? It’s not my budget. The budget goes in the name of the President, it doesn’t go in the name of the Vice President,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
Dr. Bawumia emphasized that the currency of his position does not grant him the full authority needed to implement all his ideas and that these plans are part of his vision for when he takes up the presidency. He drew a parallel with former President John Mahama, noting that even when Mahama had full presidential authority, he did not accomplish everything he set out to do during his term.